Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-09-11
THE GOLDEN CALF.

"He is the incarnation of fat divi-
dends."
''Is he 80 very rich?"
"Rolling in money-might buy up
half the city, they say"
"And really, now come TO look at
him, not a bad-looking man" muir
INJURED the Countess, focusing the
gentleman under discussion with a
very effective eyeglass.
Geraldine, my love, that is Mr..
Optimus Codd over there in the door
way"
The beautiful Geraldine turned a
very naughty head and gave scorn-
full little laugh.
"And who, pray, mamma, is Mr.
Optimus Codd?"
The Young man standing between
the two ladies looked steadily at the
beautiful young lady in diaphanous
white tulle, saying
"He is the Golden Calf of this
year, Lady Geraldine. You will soon
know him by sight. He is making
his mark in society. He has asked to
be presented to you. Lady Umfreville,
have your permission %
The Countess smiled gracious
smile on Mr.. Rupert Paulet. She al
once absolved this penniless detri-
mental, who had been hanging about
her sacrifcial lamb too closely of late
for his past offences. 1t was such q
very desirable matter to get hold oi
this millionaire stockbrOker at an
early part of his career.
Mr.. Optimus Codd, in his own
sphere was man OF mark. People
in the city pointed at him respectfully
as the possessor of untold wealth
but it had only recently entered the
mind of this enterprising operator to
make an effort to enter fashionable
society. This great man-for he was
very great in the realms OF stocks and
"things that are always going up and
down in the city"-had recently pur-
chased house in Mayfield, where he
gave most recherche banquets. He
had also contrived to be elected to
two or three good clubs. In conse-
quence society was making enquiries
about him, and using every endeavor
to substantiate the rumors OF
his enormous wealth. Doors
could not be shut upon an alb
solute Crnsus. In exterior the gen
tleman who was the object of so many
attentions was not at all preposessing,
in spite OF LADY Umfpeville's chari-
table verdict. He had a good-na-
tured, fat face, with no salient fea-
lures, and reddish hair of a refractory
nature. His small gray eyes had,
however, at times a singularly keen
and acute regard. Such eyes might
fathom good deal of humbug. He
dressed well and wore no jewelry,
bearing the manner and voice Of a
gentleman. His discretion showed
itself in nothing more than his ability
to keep silence about himself and
others.
When Mr.. Codd slowly made his
way across the ballroom toward the
striking group near the conservatory
he was the object of many regards.
After the Honorable Rupert had pre-
sented his friend in due form to
the stately Countess and her lovely
daughter. he remained few minutes
in conversation with the party, finally
offering his arm to convey her lady
ship to supper. She gave an anxious
backward look toward Lady Geraldine
and the handsome young man left
near her. 1t was unavoidable the
only thing was to put her wits together
and make the most OF the present op-
portunity.
"You have a box at the opera, l be-
lieve, Mr.. Codd? We are so anxious
to hear Patti on her first night"
This was an audacious opening. but
the Countess being poor and widow,
never fiinched before an attempt OF
this sort. 1t was her duty to make
use of rich acquaintances.
81 shall be delighted if you will ac-
cept my box for that evening"" was
the natural rejoinder from one I'M
used to impecunious countesses.
Lady Umfreville went away smiling
that evening, and thankfully felt that
her labor and Geraldine's new dress
had not been in vain.
Within a week Mr.. Optimus Codd
had been invited to partake of various
small-very small-forms of hospi-
tality at Princes gate. Little teas and
light luncheons might bring young
people together quite as advan-
tageously as more costly entertain
ments. Her ladyship was a skilled
matchmaker. Two daughters had al
ready been disposed of in their first